Sustainable building or “Building Green” is a driving force in today’s market for new construction development. Building green demands a group effort from the design and construction team to integrate sustainable elements into the architecture, design and construction. If you are looking to for ways to become more eco-friendly and socially responsible consider the following 5 things that can be implemented into your new project.

#1 Optimize Site Selection- Choose a sustainable area!

Start off by closely evaluating the building site and discover the ways you can cut costs and save money from the very beginning. Consider the following

The location

Redevelop a Brownfield

Use an existing structure and renovate the building

Easy accessibility of roads, parking and public transportation

Orientation/Shape of the Building

Orient your building in a specific way to optimize your heating or cooling needs

Allow in as much daylight as possible by specifically designing your building with windows that maximize the amount of natural light throughout the interior spaces. This will help you control electric lighting costs.

Landscaping

Co-create with the environment and natural surroundings. Through the use of indigenous greenery, heat and storm water will be efficiently absorbed reducing cooling costs and pollution runoff.

#2 Optimize Energy Use- Save Energy!

It is essential to find ways to increase energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption when building green. The design phase is a great place to start when incorporating elements that will optimize energy usage. Consider the following:

Lighting

Control the amount of natural light let into the interior of the space by incorporating design elements such as:

Reduce, reuse and recycle the use of clean water both internally and externally to protect and conserve your water usage. Consider the following:

Landscaping can help reduce your need for irrigation

If you have the need for irrigation, consider a micro-irrigation system that delivers water to the grounds much more efficiently than traditional systems.

Use a gray water plumbing system

Consider a closed loop cooling tower

#4 Use Environmentally Friendly Materials

Use materials that minimize the impact of harm to the ecosystem wherever possible. This will allow you to save some money on the project! Consider the following:

Renovate an existing building or reuse structural elements wherever possible

Build Green by reusing recycled materials that are available locally

Refurbish old furniture to reuse in the space

# 5 Enhance Indoor Quality

Help have a positive impact on the occupants of the building by using materials and furnishings that protect indoor environmental quality. Consider the following:

Avoid using materials with high VOC emissions

Consider green cleaning products to improve workers safety and health

Design the space with windows that are functional allowing the occupants to control their fresh air

Maximize the amount of daylight let into the space

The overall idea of building green is to avoid the depletion of energy, water and raw materials. By prioritizing environmental and life cycle considerations throughout all phases of architecture, design and construction you can achieve all of your sustainability goals.

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Established in 1967, ABS has prided itself in developing valuable, long lasting relationships with clients all across South Louisiana for generations. Our commitment to provide a quality product at a competitive cost is the foundation for the success of ABS. More than 45 years later, we continue our pledge by earning the trust and exceeding the expectations of our clients through exceptional performance.